Ginekol Pol. 2026 Jan 28. doi: 10.5603/gpl.105643. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Vaginal flatus is a common postpartum issue that can impact women’s quality of life. This study investigates the effectiveness of Kegel exercises in reducing vaginal flatus among postpartum women.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, forty postpartum women were enrolled between July 2022 and December 2022 at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Istanbul Camlıca Medipol Hospital. The required sample size was calculated based on a power analysis assuming a medium effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.5), a power of 80%, and a significance level of 5%, resulting in a minimum of 17 participants per group. To account for potential dropouts, 20 participants were included in each group. Women in this study were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group performed Kegel exercises, whereas the control group received no intervention. Participants in the experimental group completed Kegel exercises three times daily in three different positions for three weeks. Additionally, a six-week home exercise program was implemented, including fast and slow contractions targeting both type I and type II muscle fibers. The assessment included vaginal flatus frequency and bother scores measured through a validated questionnaire, as well as sexual quality of life evaluated using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PSQ-12).
RESULTS: A significant reduction in vaginal flatus frequency and bother scores was observed in the experimental group following the intervention (p < 0.01). The mean vaginal flatus frequency score decreased from 2.95 to 2.0 in the experimental group. Comparisons of pre- and post-intervention vaginal flatus frequency/bother scores and PSQ-12 values revealed a statistically significant difference only in the experimental group (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that Kegel exercises effectively reduce the frequency and bother associated with vaginal flatus in postpartum women. Incorporating pelvic floor exercise into postpartum care programs may improve overall well-being and sexual health outcomes.
PMID:41603160 | DOI:10.5603/gpl.105643
